Battle of Foulksmills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Foulksmills |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Irish Rebellion | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United Irishmen |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Philip Roche | John Moore | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| ~2,000 | ~2,500-5,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| c.100 killed and wounded | ~300 dead | ||||||
The Battle of Foulksmills was an important fight during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This battle is also known as the Battle of Horetown or the Battle of Goff's Bridge. It happened in County Wexford, Ireland. In this battle, the British Army and their Irish loyalist allies fought against the United Irishmen rebels.
Contents
The Battle of Foulksmills
What Led to the Battle?
By June 19, 1798, the rebellion by the United Irishmen was mostly contained. It had not spread much beyond County Wexford. The British forces, also called Crown forces, were ready to attack the areas held by the rebels.
One group of about 2,500 soldiers, led by Sir John Moore, marched from New Ross. Their goal was to reach Wexford. This was part of a bigger plan to surround the rebel-held areas. Another British force, led by General Gerard Lake, was moving from the north.
Moving Towards the Fight
Sir John Moore's troops were supposed to meet up with a small group of soldiers in Duncannon. Then, they would move deeper into County Wexford together. But after waiting for hours, the Duncannon soldiers did not arrive. So, Moore decided to continue alone towards the village of Taghmon.
As they got close to Goff's Bridge at Foulkesmill, Moore's scouts reported something important. A rebel force of about 3,000 fighters was moving quickly. They seemed ready to attack. Moore sent some riflemen from the 60th Regiment to hold the bridge. They needed to keep it safe until their artillery (big guns) could arrive.
The Battle Begins!
The rebels, led by Father Philip Roche, saw what Moore was doing. They moved away from the road and went to higher ground on the left. Their plan was to get around Moore's army.
The 60th Regiment had to fight the rebels in the roads, fields, and woods. The rebels' move to outflank them almost broke Moore's left side. Moore himself had to rally his soldiers to hold their position. He then led them in a successful counter-attack.
As more British troops arrived, the rebels were forced out of their hiding spots. This allowed the British to use their artillery. The rebels' plan to surround Moore's army failed. The British slowly pushed the rebels back, field by field. However, the rebels managed to pull most of their forces back safely.
What Happened Next?
After the battle, the road to Wexford was open. The British recaptured the town the very next day.
About 300 soldiers from both sides were either killed or wounded in this battle.
